My sleepy neighborhood in the 15eme is a nice haven from the busy streets of Paris. I like to take a walk at the end of the day along the Seine at Port de Javel Haut (Metro: Line 10, Javel). It offers a nice view of the mini Statue of Liberty (it makes me a little homesick for my hometown NYC), a dock filled with impressive yachts (a girl can dream, can't she?), and another perspective of the Tour Eiffel (it never gets old).

There is also the beachy restaurant La Plage. The restaurant looks like it should be located in the super chic Hamptons or France's version Deauville. But, this is the point. Not everyone can make it to a real beach town and we all deserve a little beach-like experience in the summertime. So, to all of you who decided to stay in Paris this month, spend a breezy evening at Port de Javel sans sand. If you want a little sand, then visit Paris Plages. You see, Paris has it all!

La Plage is open for lunch or dinner and serves French fare. Sit outside on the terrace or inside--either way it's an experience. Entree's (appetizers) range from 12 to 18 Euros, while plats (entrees) range from 21 to 29 Euros. Make a reservation for lunch and order their fixed Midi menu--28 Euros for an entree, plat and dessert or 23 Euros for an entree/plat or plat/dessert. Or, just come a little earlier before the dinner crowd arrives, order a drink and enjoy the view. Metro: Line 10, Javel or RER C to Javel. Tip: You need to walk past the RER and the path is directly behind it. Call ahead for a reservation: 01 40 59 41 00.